Limerick Áras hopeful plans national campaign trip

DONNCHA MacGabhann from Knockainey is vying to become the next president of Ireland and is hitting the road on a six-month journey across all twenty six counties as part of his presidential bid.

The retired art teacher will launch his election campaign at the Firgrove Hotel in Mitchelstown, Co Cork this Thursday at 8pm.

Continuing the spirit of outreach pioneered by previous office holders, he has decided to tour the country. “I hope to start as far north as Tory Island (C0 Donegal) and work my way down and meet as many people as I possibly can,” said Mr MacGabhann.

He has already made a trip to Donegal as part of his campaign and purchased a caravan last year specially for his nationwide tour.

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He is seeking the support of four local authorities to be endorsed as a candidate for the election later this year. “I'll be approaching Limerick County Council, I'm preparing a presentation,” explained Mr MacGabhann.

“I'll also have to go to three other local authorities and see if I can get their endorsement in order to appear on the ballot paper in the election.”

Mr MacGabhann has been working on his presidential campaign for the last two years. “I hope I will be successful in the election,” he said. “I want to sort of follow through on the issues relating to our constitution that have been poorly addressed in recent years.”

He wishes to place a greater emphasis on the president’s role as guardian of the Constitution - a major focus of his vision for the office.

Mr MacGabhann also hopes to be a president of the people. “Several of the recent presidents have worked very hard to achieve that kind of connection with the local communities... I'd like to continue what they have done in that respect.”

If elected as president, the Limerick man plans to work hard and be available to people by supporting community activities along with acting as a ceremonial figurehead.

Mr MacGabhann has three adult children with his wife Anita. He worked as a teacher for 35 years before retiring a few years ago. He was also a Club Football All-Ireland winner with Thomond College in 1978.

For almost 20 years, Mr MacGabhann has undertaken a major study on the Book of Kells (PhD University of London, 2016). This research has taken him to many universities and libraries while also speaking at major international conferences.